Revolution

1775 - 1783

The Original 13 - 1775

1.a. Prelude To Independence May 1775 The Second Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia They are moving towards independence Managing a war effort – who will lead? George Washington – why? Not why you may think… (1) He was from Virginia, the most populous colony and

people from the southern colonies didn’t like the influence the northern colonies had.

(2) He was already wealthy and wouldn’t be motivated by seeking money.

George Washington

Second Continental Congress

1.b. Prelude To Independence July 1775 The Olive Branch Petition – professes American loyalty to

King George III to prevent further hostility…he didn’t accept August 1775 King George formally proclaims the colonies in rebellion Any fighting was considered treason – punishable by

hanging October 1775 – The colonists attempt to invade British-ruled

Canada in hopes of securing a 14th colony The invasion of Canada contradicted the Olive Branch

Petition and shows that the colonists were not merely fighting a defensive war against Britain.

1.c. Prelude To Independence 1776 Thomas Paine, a former corset-maker Wrote a 47 page essay that would start a fire in colonies INDEPENDENCE Common Sense was important because it awakened the

Americans to the brutality of Britain. It also called for independence and a republican government.

2. Declaration of Independence With the failure of the Olive Branch Petition, the Continental

Congress asks Thomas Jefferson to draft a formal declaration of independence.

Jefferson was a Virginia lawyer Young, only 33 when he wrote the Declaration The rationale: The colonies are justified in breaking

their ties with Britain because of the tyrannical misdeeds of King George III.

The colonists are no longer British subjects, but Americans. Its impact would go far beyond the United States. Considered one of the greatest writings in human history. Not perfectly moral though, since Jefferson says “all men are

created equal” while owning tons of slaves.

3. The Military History of the War The war is divided into three phases 1) Patriot Strongholds in Boston – 1775 - 76 2) New York / Pennsylvania Campaigns – the

British attempt to separate the northern and southern colonies along the Hudson River – 1776 - 78

3) The Southern Campaign ending with the British defeat in the Battle of Yorktown, VA - 1778 – 81

3. The Military History of the War 1) Gen. William Howe – defeated Washington in the Battle

of Long Island (NY) in 1776. 2) Gen. John Burgoyne – Defeated by Continentals in the

Battle of Saratoga. 3) Valley Forge – Washington and his men camped here

in late 1777 for a miserable winter but received much needed training from Baron Von Steuben.

4) Saratoga – Continental victory. A major turning point of the war as it caught France’s attention.

3. The Military History of the War 5) Nathaniel Greene – Wore down Lord Cornwallis in the

Carolina Campaign. 6) Lord Charles Cornwallis – successful British general in

the south; but was eventually cornered in Yorktown (1781).

4. The Treaty of Paris 1783

The war is over – 1783 John Adams – the main negotiator at the Paris peace talks

with Britain Britain was very generous…why? They wanted to give America a great deal of

independence so they won’t be so quick to be close allies with France.